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A COLLECTION 

ft — 

OF 



SUNDRY PUBLICATIONS, 



AND OTHER DOCUMENTS, 



IK RELATION TO THE ATTACK MADE DURING THE LATE WAR 
UPON THE PRIVATE ARMED BRIG 



GENERAL ARMSTRONG, 

OF NEW-YORK, 

COMMANDED BY S. C. REID, 

ON THE NIGHT OP THE 2Gth. OF SEPTEMBER, 1814, 

AT THE ISLAND OF FAYAL, 



BY HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S SHIPS PLANTAGENET SEVENTY-FOUR, 
ROTA FRIGATE, AND CARNATION SLOOP OF WAR. 

v fe " - . 









=> NEW- YORK: 

■ PRINTED EY JOHN GRAY, 110 FULTON-STREET 

1833, 



• $2 2> 



REMARKS. 



It may not be amiss to bring to the recollection of 
the reader, circumstances showing the influence 
which the action of the Armstrong at Fayal, had 
on the movements, and final success of General 
Jackson at New-Orleans, although Jackson and 
Reid were neither of them conscious of it at the 
time. 

The action with the Armstrong, commanded by 
Capt. Reid, was on the 26th, of Sept. 1814. The 
fleet commanded by Admiral Cochrane and des- 
tined for t he expedition against New-Orleans, was 
at that moment waiting' at Jamaica for the Squa- 
dron commanded by Capt. Lloyd, which had been 
dispatched from England with orders to join the 
fleet at Jamaica, with all convenient speed. Capt. 
Lloyd however, with an honest zealfor his Britannic 
Majesty's service, on being informed of the fact,, 
, that the Gen. Armstrong was then actually lying 
in the harbour of Fayal, very naturally concluded 
that such a vessel might be useful to the expedition 
of which he was to compose a part ; and ordered 
the immediate capture of this Rebellious Yankee 
vessel. The attack was accordingly made — the 
result of which appears in the following pages. 

When Lloyd arrived at Jamaica, and it was told 
to the Admiral and to General Packenham, Avhat 
had befallen him, that he had sustained a loss 
of about 200 of his best men, and had in con- 
sequence been detained at Fayal above ten days, 
they were exceedingly indignant ; and loaded Lloyd 
with bitter reproaches, 



IV REMARKS. 

To show more clearly the influence of Captain 
Reid's action upon the expedition intended for 
New-Orleans, it is necessary to notice the following 
dates. 

Coohrane's fleet arrived off New-Orleans on the 
oth of December, and General Jackson arrived at 
the City on the 10th of the same month. 

Now it is manifest that if Cochrane and Lloyd 
had arrived 10 days sooner, (say 25th, Nov.) the 
British army might have marched into and taken 
possession of New Orleans, before the American 
forces could by any possibility have arrived. 



DOCUMENTS, & c . 



Letter from the American Consul to Captain Reid. 

You have performed a most brilliant action in beat- 
ing off Fourteen Boats of the British ships, in this 
Road. They say they will carry the Brig, cost what 
it will, and that the Brig will haul in to attack you at 
the same time the boats do. My dear fellow do not 
uselessly expose yourself if attacked by an overwhelm- 
ing force, but scuttle the Brig near the beach and 
come on shore with your brave crew. 

Yours truly, 

J. B. Dabney, 

Two o'Clock, Tuesday Morning, 
Sept. 27 1814. 



Savannah, Nov. 26, 1814. 
DESTRUCTION OF THE GEN. ARMSTRONG. 

Arrived here, on Thursday evening last, from Fayal, 
via Amelia, fourteen ©f the crew of the privateer Gen. 
Armstrong, Capt. Reid, who report, that 18 days after 
leaving New- York they put into Fayal ; that about 2 
hours after coming to anchor, the British brig Carnation 
of 18 guns, came in and anchored within gun-shot of 
the Armstrong, and immediately manned three of her 



barges, at which time the Rota frigate and Plantagenet 
74 also stood into port. When the brig's boats came 
within hail, Capt. R. ordered them to keep off — they, 
however, continued pulling for the A. when the boats 
were fired into from her, which killed 8 or 10 of the 
enemy. The 74 and frigate perceiving this, forthwith 
manned 16 barges, with about 450 men: the G. A. 
then cut her cables, and warped in directly under the 
guns of the fort. Between 11 and 12 o'clock at night, 
the whole number of barges were discovered from the 
Armstrong, within pistol shot, when at the moment, 
they were about dividing into four divisions, a broadside 
from the long torn and 3 long 9's were fired into them, 
which put the enemy into much confusion, killing the 
1st lieut. of the frigate, who commanded the barges, 
and many others. The whole of the barges then came 
under the Armstrong's bow, keeping up a continual 
fire, which was returned from on board with great 
spirit. Several attempts were made to board the Arm- 
strong, but were repulsed, with great destruction to the 
enemy. The barges finding that they could not carry 
her, hauled off until morning, when they renewed the 
attack, the brig in company. The G. A. commenced 
with a brisk fire on the brig and barges, and continued 
it for some time ; but finding the force of the enemy 
was too great, and seeing no hopes of saving the ship, 
Capt. Reid gave orders to cut aw T ay the masts and rig- 
ging, and to fire three nine pounders, through her bot- 
tom. This was promptly executed, when the crew 
then abandoned her, and arrived safe on shore. Thus 
fell the Armstrong into the hands of the British, after 
a resistance worthy the cause which animated her gal- 
lant officers and crew. The enemy, on taking posses- 
sion of the Armstrong, finding her so much injured 
and in a sinking condition, set her on fire. The G. A. 
had killed, A. O. Williams, 1 seamen, and 7 wounded. 
Loss of the enemy, 160 killed, and 150 wounded, as 
acknowledged by them — the number, however, sup- 
posed to be greater. 

The Armstrong's force was 6 long 9's and a 42 
pounder midships, with a complement of 90 men. 



The commandant at Fayal despatched a boat to the 
enemy, forbidding an attack on the Gen. Armstrong. 
The answer returned, was, that if he attempted to pro- 
tect her, they would fire on the town. 

Capt. Reid is expected in town from St. Mary's, 
when we shall, no doubt, have a further and more par- 
ticular account of this affair. 



Copy of a letter from our Consul at Fayal to the Secre- 
tary of State. 

Fayal, 5th October, 1814. 

Sir — I have the honour, to state to you that a most 
outrageous violation of the neutrality of this port, in utter 
contempt of the laws of civilized nations, has recently 
been commited here by the commanders of his Britannic 
majesty's ships Plantagenet, Rota and Carnation, 
against the American private armed brig General Arm- 
strong, Sam. C. Reid commander, but I have great- 
satisfaction in being able to add, that this occurrence 
terminated in one of the most brilliant actions on the 
part of Captain Reid, his brave officers and crew, that 
can be found on naval record. 

The American brig came to anchor in this port in 
the afternoon of the 26th of September, and at sunset 
of the same day, the above named ships suddenly ap- 
peared in these roads ; it being nearly calm in the port, 
it was rather doubtful if the privateer could escape if she 
got under way, and relying on the justice and good 
faith of the British captains it was deemed most pru- 
dent to remain at anchor. — A little after dusk Captain 
Reid, seeing some suspicious movements on the part of 
the British, began to warp his vessel close under the 
guns of the castle, and while doing so, he was at 
about eight o'olock, P. M. approached by four boats 
from the ships filled with armed men. After hailing 
them repeatedly and warning them to keep off, he order? 



ed his men to fire on them, and killed and wounded 
several men. The boats returned the fire and killed 
one man and wounded the first Lieutenant of the priva- 
teer, and returned to their ships, and, as it was now 
light moonlight, it was plainly perceived from the brig 
as well as from the shore, that a formidable attack was 
premeditating. Soon after midnight, twelve or more 
large boats crowded with men from the ships and 
armed with carronades, swivels and blunderbusses, 
small arms, &c. attacked the brig ; a severe contest 
ensued which lasted about forty minutes, and ended in 
the total defeat and partial destruction of the boats, 
with a most unparalleled carnage on the part of the 
British. It is estimated by good judges that near 400 
men were in the boats when the attack commenced, 
and no doubt exists in the minds of the numerous spec- 
tators of the scene that more than half of them were 
killed or wounded ; several boats were destroyed ; two 
of them remained alongside of the brig literally loaded 
with their own dead. From these two boats only 17 
reached the shore alive ; most of thern were severely 
wounded. The whole of the following day the British 
were occupied in burying their dead ; among them 
were two lieuts. and one midshipman of the Rota — 
the first lieut. of the Plantagenet, it is said, cannot 
survive his wounds, and many of the seamen who 
reached their ships were mortally wounded, and have 
•been dying daily. — The British, mortified at this signal 
and unexpected defeat, endeavour to conceal the extent 
of the loss ; they admit however that they lost in kill- 
ed and who have died since the engagement, upwards 
of 120 of the flower of their officers and men. The 
captain of the Rota told me he lost 70 men from his 
ship. Two days after this affair took place the British 
sloops of war Thais and Calypso came into port, when 
Capt. Lloyd immediately took them into requisition to 
carry home the wounded officers and seamen — they 
have sailed for England, one on the 2d and the other 
on the 4th inst. each carried 25 badly wounded. Those 
who were slightly wounded, to the number, as I am in- 



formed, of about 30, remained on board of their respec- 
tive ships, and sailed last evening for Jamaica. Strict 
orders were given that the sloops of war should take 
no letters whatever to England, and those orders were 
rigidly adhered to. 

In face of the testimony Of all Fayal and a number 
of respectable strangers who happened to be in this 
place at the moment, the British commander endeavours 
to throw the odium of this transaction on the American 
captain, Reid, alleging that he sent the boats merely 
to reconnoitre the brig, and without any hostile inten 
tions. The pilots of the port did inform them of the 
privateer the moment they entered the port. To recon- 
noitre an enemy's vessel in a friendly port, at night, 
with four boats, carrying by the best accounts 120 men 
is certainly a strange proceeding! The fact is, they ex- 
pected as the brig was warping in, that the Americans 
would not be prepared to receive them, and they had 
hopes of carrying her by a " coup de main." If any 
thing could add to the baseness of this transaction on 
the part of the British commander, it is want of can- 
dour openly and boldly to avow the facts. In vain can 
he expect by such subterfuge to shield himself from 
the indignation of the world and the merited resentment 
of his own government and nation for thus trampling 
on the sovereignty of their most ancient and faithful 
ally and for the wanton sacrifice of British lives. 

On the part of the Americans the loss was compara- 
tively nothing, two killed and seven slightly wounded ; 
of the slain, we have to lament the loss of the second 
Lieut. Mr. Alexander O. Williams of New- York, a 
brave and meritorious officer. 

Among the wounded are Messrs. Worth and John- 
ston, first and third Lieutenants: Capt. Reid was thus 
deprived, early in the action, of the services of all his 
Lieutenants; but his cool and intrepid conduct secured 
him the victory. 

On the morning of the 27th ult. one of the British, 
ships placed herself near the shore and commenced a 
heavy cannonade on the privateer. Finding further 

2* 



3 - 





iesistance unavailing, Capt. Reid ordered her to be 
abandoned, after being partially destroyed, to prevent 
her falling into the hands of the enemy, who soon after 
sent their boats and set her on fire. 

At 9 o'clock in the evening, (soon after the first at- 
tack) I applied to the Governor requesting his Excel- 
lency to protect the privateer either by force or by such 
remonstrance to the commander of the squadron as 
would cause him to desist from any further attempt. 
The Governor indignant at what had passed, but feel- 
ing himself totally unable, with the slender means he 
possessed, to resist such a force, took the part of re- 
monstrating, which he did in forcible but respectful 
terms. His letter to Captain Lloyd had no other ef- 
fect than to produce a menacing reply, insulting in the 
highest degree. Nothing can exceed the indignation 
of the public authorities, as well as of all ranks and 
description of persons here, at this unprovoked enormity. 
Such was the rage of the British to destroy this vessel, 
that no regard was paid to the safety of the town; 
some of the inhabitants were wounded and a number 
of houses were much damaged. The strongest repre- 
sentations on this subject are prepared by the Gover- 
nor for his court. 

Since this affair the command< r, Lloyd, threatened 
to send on shore an armed force and arrest the privateer's 
crew, saying there were many Englishmen among 
them, and our poor fellows afraid of his vengeance 
have fled to the mountains several times and have been 
harassed extremely. At length Captain Lloyd fearful 
of losing more men if he put his threats in execution, 
adopted this stratagem ; he addressed an official letter 
to the Governor, stating that in the American crew 
were two men who deserted from his squadron in 
America, and as they were guilty of high treason, he 
required them to be found and given up. Accordingly 
a force was sent into the country, and the American 
seamen were arrested and brought to town, and as they 
could not designate the said pretended deserters, all the 
esamen here passed an examination of the British om- 



cers, but no such persons were to be found among them. 
1 was requested by the Governor and British Consul to 
attend this humiliating examination, as was also Cap- 
tain Reid ; but we declined to sanction by our presence 
any such proceedings. 

Capt. Reid has protested against the British com- 
manders of the squadron for the unwarrantable de- 
struction of his vessel in a neutral and friendly port, 
as also against the government of Portugal for their 
inability to protect him. 

No doubt this government will feel themselves bound 
to make ample indemnification to the owners, officers 
and crew of this vessel, for the great loss they have 
severally sustained. 

I shall as early as possible transmit a statement of 
this transaction to our Minister at Rio Janerio for this 
government. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your 

most obedient servant. 

JOHN B. DABNEY. 

To the Secretary of State of U. S. 
Washington. 



We this day present our readers with a copy of the 
gallant Capt. Reid's Letter, detailing his late complete 
victory over the enemy, in the harbour of the neutral 
port of Fayal, in their late attack upon the private armed 
brig General Armstrong, of this port. 

We have also been favoured with Capt. Reid's pro^ 
test, made before our Consul. Mr. Dabney, at Fayal, 
setting forth the gross violation by the British of the 
neutrality of Fayal. The protest is long, and will be 
published in our next. 

Under the Savannah head, our readers are referred 
to the British account of their attact upon the General 
Armstrong, copied from a Jamaica paper. — Merc. Adv. 

New-York, December 15, 1814. 

The following is Captain Reid's account of his Re- 



8 

contre with the British at Fayal, and is communicated 
to the editors of the Mercantile Advertiser for publica- 
tion : — 

Fayal, 4th October. 1814. 

With infinite regret I am constrained to say it has 
eventually fallen to my lot to state to you the loss and 
total destruction of the private armed brig Gen. Arm- 
strong, late under my command. 

We sailed from Sandy Hook on the evening of the 
9th ult. and about midnight fell in close aboard of a 
razee and ship of the line. They pursued till next day 
noon, when they thought proper to give over chase. 
On the 11th, after a nine hour's chase, boarded the pri- 
vate armed schr. Perry, John Colman, 6 days from 
Philadelphia ; had thrown over all his guns. On the 
following day fell in with an enemy's gun brig: ex- 
changed a few shots with, and left him. On the 24th, 
boarded a Spanish brig and schooner, and a Portuguese 
ship, all from the Havanna. On the 26th following, 
came too in Fayal Roads, for the purpose of filling water ; 
called on the American Consul, who very politely or- 
dered our water immediately sent off, it being our inten- 
tion to proceed to sea early the next da v. At 5 P. M. 
I went on board, the consul and some other gentlemen 
in company. I asked some questions concerning 
enemy's cruizers, and was told there had been none at 
these Islands for several weeks ; when about dusk, while 
we were conversing the British brig Carnation sudden- 
ly hove in sight close under the N. E. head of the har- 
bour, within gunshot when first discovered. The idea 
of getting under way was instantly suggested ; but 
finding the enemy's brig had the advantage of a breeze 
and but little wind with us, it was thought doubtful if 
we should be able to get to sea without hazarding an 
action. I questioned the Consul to know if in his 
opinion the enemy would regard the neutrality of the 
port ? He gave me to understand I might make my- 
self perfectly easy, assuring me at the same time they 
would never molest us while at anchor. But no sooner 



did the enemy's brig understand from the pilot-boat who 
we were, when she immediately hauled close in and 
let go her anchor within pistol shot of us. At the same 
moment the Plantagenet, and frigate Rota, hove in sight, 
to whom the Carnation instantly made signal, and a 
constant interchange took place for some time. The 
result was the Carnation proceeded to throw out all her 
boats ; despatched one on board the commodore, and 
appeared otherwise to be making unusual exertions. 
From these circumstances I began to suspect their real 
intentions. The moon was near its full, which enabled 
us to observe them very minutely ; and I now determined 
to haul in nearer the shore. Accordingly, after clear- 
ing for action we got under way, and began to sweep in. 
The moment this was observed by the enemy's brig, she 
instantly cut her cable, made sail, and despatched four 
boats in pursuit of us. Being now about 8 P.Mas 
soon as we saw the boats approaching, we let go our 
anchor, got springs on our cable, and prepared to receive 
them. I hailed them repeatedly as they drew near, but 
they felt no inclination to reply. Sure of their game, 
they only pulled up with the greater speed. I observed 
the boats were well manned, and apparently as well 
armed ; and as soon as they had cleverly got alongside, 
we opened our fire, which was as soon returned ; but 
meeting with rather a warmer reception than they had 
probably been aware of, they soon cried out for quarters, 
and hauled off. In this skirmish I had one man killed 
and my first lieutenant wounded. The enemy's loss 
must have been upwards of twenty killed and wounded. 
They had now repaired to their ships to prepare for 
a more formidable attack. We, in the interim, having 
taken the hint, prepared to haul close in to the beach, 
where we moored head and stern within half pistol shot 
of the castle. This done, we again prepared in the 
best possible manner for their second reception. About 
9 P. M. we observed the'enemy's brig towing in a large 
fleet of boats. They soon after left the brig and took 
their stations in three divisions, under covert of a small 
reef of rocks, within about musket shot of us. Here 
they continued manoeuvring for some time, the brig still 



10 

keeping under way to act with the boats, should we at 
any time attempt our escape. 

The shore was lined with the in habitants, waiting" 
the expected attack ; and from the brightness of the 
moon, they had a most favourable view of the scene. 
The governor, with most of the first people of the place, 
stood by and saw the whole affair. 

At length about midnight, we observed the boats in 
motion, (our crew having laid at their quarters during 
the whole of this interval.) They came on in one di- 
rect line, keeping in close order ; and we plainly counted 

twelve boats. As soon as they came within proper 

distance we opened our fire, which was warmly return- 
ed from the enemy's carronades and small arms. The 
discharge from our Long Tom rather staggered them ; 
but soon recovering, they gave three cheers, and 
came on most, spiritedly. In a moment they succeeded 
in gaining our bow and starboard quarter, and the 
word was Board. Our great guns now becoming use- 
less, we attacked them sword in hand, together with 
our pikes, pistols, and musketry, from which our lads 
poured on them a most destructive fire. The enemy 
made frequent and repeated attempts to gain our decks, 
but were repulsed at all times, and at all points, with 
the greatest slaughter.- About the middle of the ac- 
tion I received intelligence of the death of my second 
Lieutenant ; and soon after of the third Lieutenant being 
badly wounded. From this and other causes, I found 
our fire had much slackened on the forecastle; and, 
fearful of the event, I instantly rallied the whole of our 
after division, who had been bravely defending and now 
had succeeded in beating the boats off the quarters. — 
They gave a shout, rushed forward, opened a fresh 
fire, and soon after decided the conflict, which termi- 
nated in the total defeat of the enemy, and the loss of 
many of their boats : two of which, belonging to the 
Rota, we took possession of, literally loaded with their 
own dead. Seventeen only escaped from them both, 
who had swam to the shore. In another boat under our 
quarter, commanded by one of the Lieutenants of the 
Plantagenet, all were killed saving four. This I have 



11 

from the Lieutenant himself, who further told me that 
he jumped overboard to save his own life. 

The duration of this action was about 40 minutes. 
Our deck was now found in much confusion, our Long 
Tom dismounted, and several of our carriages broken ; 
many of our crew having left the vessel, and others 
disabled. Under these circumstances, however, we 
succeeded in getting Long Tom in his birth, and the 
decks cleared in some sort for a fresh action, should the 
enemy attack us again before daylight. — About 3 A. 
M. I received a message from the American Consul, 
requesting to see me on shore, where he informed me 
the Governor had sent a note to Captain Lloyd, begging 
him to desist from further hostilities.* To which Cap- 
tain Lloyd sent for answer, that he was now determined 
to have the privateer at the risk of knocking down the 
whole town ; and that if the Governor suffered the 
Americans to injure the privateer in any manner, he 
should consider the place an enemy's port, and treat it 
accordingly. Finding this to be the case, I considered 
all hopes of saving our vessel to be at an end. I there- 
fore went on board, and ordered all our wounded and 
dead to be taken on shore, and the crew to save their 
effects as fast as possible. — Soon after this it became 
daylight, when the enemy's brig stood close in, and com- 
menced a heavy fire on us with all her force. After 
several broadsides she hauled off, having received a shot 
in her hull, her rigging much cut, and her foretopmast 
wounded ; (of this I was informed by the British Con- 
sul.) She soon after came in again, and anchored close 
to the privateer. I then ordered the Armstrong to be 
scuttled, to prevent the enemy from getting her off. 
She was soon after boarded by the enemy's boats, and 
set on fire, which soon completed her destruction. 

They have destroyed a number of houses in the town, 
and murdered some of the inhabitants. 

By what I have been able to learn from the British 
Consul and officers of the fleet, it appears there were 
about 400 officers and men in the last, attack by the 
boats, of whicn 120 were killed and about J SO wound- 
ed. Captain Lloyd, I am told by the British Consul, 



12 

is badly wounded in the leg ; a jury of Surgeons had 
been held, who gave as their opinion that amputation 
would be necessary to insure his life. Tis said, how- 
ever, that the wound was occasioned by an Ox tread- 
ing on him. The fleet has remained here about a week, 
during which they have been principally employed in 
burying their dead, and taking care of their wounded. 

Three days after the action they were joined by the 
ship Thais and brig Calypso (two sloops of war) who 
were immediately taken into requisition by Captain 
Lloyd, to take home the wounded men. — The Calypso 
sailed for England with part of the wounded, on the 
2d instant, among whom was the first Lieutenant of the 
Plantagenet. The Thais sails this evening with the 
remainder. Capt. Lloyd's fleet, sailed to day, supposed 
for the West-Indies. 

The loss on our part, I am happy to say is compara- 
tively trifling ; two killed and seven wounded. With 
regard to my officers in general I feel the greatest sa- 
tisfaction in saying they one and all fought with the 
most determined bravery, and to whom I feel highly in- 
debted for their officer-like conduct during the short 
period we were together ; their exertions and bravery 
deserved a better fate. 

I here insert for your inspection, a list of the killed 
and wounded. 

KILLED. 

Mr. Alexander O. Williams, 2d Lieut, by a musket 
ball in the forehead, died instantly ; Burton Lloyd, 
Seaman, do. through the heart, do. 

WOUNDED. 

Fredk. A. Worth, 1st Lieut, in the right side. 
Robert Johnson, ..3d do. left knee, 
Bazilla Hammond, Qr. Master, left arm, 
John Piner, Seaman, knee, 
Wm. Castle, do. arm, 
Nicholas Scalsan, do. arm and leg, 
John Harrison, do. hands and face, by the explosion 
of a gun. 



13 

It gives me much pleasure to announce to you that 
our wounded are all in a fair way of recovery, through 
the unremitted care and attention of our worthy surgeon. 

Mr. Dabney, our Consul, is a gentleman possessing 
every feeling of humanity, and to whom the utmost 
gratitude is due from us for his great care of the sick 
and wounded, and his polite attention to my officers 
and myself. 

Mr. Williams was a most deserving and promising 
officer. His country, in him, has lost one of its brightest 
ornaments ; and his death must be sadly lamented by 
all who knew his worth. 

Accompanied with this you will find a copy of my 
Protest, together with copies of letters written by Mr. 
Dabney to the governor of Fayal, our Minister at Rio 
Janeiro, and our Secretary of State. These letters will 
develope more fully the circumstances of this unfortu- 
nate affar. 

We expect to sail to morrow in a Portuguese brig for 
Amelia Island, which takes the whole of our crew; till 
when, I remain gentleman, your very obedient humble 
servant. 

SAM. C. REID. 



PROTEST 

Of Captain Reid, of the private armed brig General 
Armstrong, referred to in yesterday's Mercantile Ad- 
vertiser. 

CONSULATE OF FAYAL. 

AZORES. 

By this Public Instrument of Declaration and Pro- 
test, be it known unto all persons whom it doth or may 
concern. That on this present day, being the twenty- 
seventh day of September, eighteen hundred and four- 
teen, before me, JOHN B. DABNEY, Consul of the 
United States for the Azores, personally appeared, 



o 



14 

Samuel C. Reid, Commander of the American armed 
brig General Armstrong 1 , of New- York, of two hundred 
and forty-six tons, American measurement, &c. and on 
oath declared as follows, to wit : that he sailed in and 
with said brig, from the port of New- York, on the ninth 
day of September, last past, well found, staunch and 
strong, and manned with ninety officers and men, for 
a cruise ; that nothing material happened on the pas- 
sage to this Island, until the twenty-sixth instant, when 
she cast anchor in this port, soon after twelve o'clock 
at noon, with a view to get a supply of fresh water ; 
that during the said afternoon his crew were employed 
in taking on board water — when about sunset of the 
same day, the British brig of war Carnation, Captain 
Bentham, appeared suddenly doubling round the north- 
east point of ihis port: she was immediately followed 
by the British ship Rota, of thirty-eight guns, Captain 
P. Somerville, and the seventy-four gun ship Planta- 
genet, Captain Robert Lloyd, which latter, it is under- 
stood, commanded the squadron. They all anchored 
about 7 o'clock P. M. and soon after some suspicious 
movements on their part, indicating an intention to vi- 
olate the neutrality of the port, induced Captain Reid 
to order his brig to be warped in shore, close under the 
guns of the castle; that in the act of doing so, four 

boats approached his vessel, filled with armed men 

Captain Reid repeatedly hailed them, and warned them 
to keep off, which they disregarding, he ordered his 
men to fire on them, which was done, and killed and 
wounded several men; the boats returned the fire, and 
killed one man, and wounded the first Lieutenant. 
They then fled to their ships and prepared for a second 
and more formidable attack ; the American brig, in the 
mean time, was placed within half cable's length of the 
shore, and within half pistol shot of the castle. Soon 
after midnight, twelve, or as some state, fourteen boats, 
supposed to contain nearly four-hundred men, with small 
cannon, swivels, blunderbusses, and other arms, made 
a violent attack on said brig, when a severe conflict en- 
sued, which lasted near fortv minutes, and terminated 



15 

m the total defeat and partial destruction of the boats, 
with an inmense slaughter on the part of the British. 

The loss of the Americans in both actions was one 
lieutenant and one seaman killed, and two lieutenants 
and five seamen wounded. At day -break the brig 
Carnation was brought close in, and began a heavy 
cannonade on the American brig; when Captain Reid 
finding further resistance unavailing, abandoned the 
vessel, after partially destroying her, and soon after 
the British set her on fire. The said, Captain Reid, 
therefore, desires me to take his Protest, as he by these 
presents does most solemnly protest against the said 
Lloyd, .commander of the said squadron, and against 
the other commanders of the British ships engaged in 
this infamous attack, on his said vessel, when lying in a 
neutral friendly port. And the said Captain Reid also 
protests against the Government of Portugal, for their 
inability to protect and defend the neutrality of this 
their port and harbour, as also against all, and every 
other state, or states, person or persons, whom it now 
doth or may concern, for all losses, costs, and damages, 
that have arisen, or may arise, to the owners, officers, 
and crew of the said Brig General Armstrong, in con- 
sequence of her destruction, and the defeat of her cruise, 
in the manner aforesaid. 

All which is sworn to be truth by the said Samuel 
C. Reid, Frederick A. Worth, first lieutenant, Robert 
Johnson, third lieutenant, Benjamin Starks, sailing 
master, John Brosnaham, Surgeon, Robert E. Allen, 
captain of marines, Thomas Parsons, James Davis, 
Eliphalet Sheffield, and Peter Tyson, prize-masters of 
the said brig General Armstrong. 

I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the afore- 
going instrument of protest is a true copy taken 
from the original, deposited in my consular office. 
[seal] In testimony of which I have hereunto set 
my hand, and affixed my official seal, this twenty- 
seventh day of September, eighteen hundred 
and fourteen. 

JOHN B. DABNEY. 



16 

Faijal, Oct. 15, 1814. . 

Wm. Cobbett, Esq. — Sir, the American Brig pri- 
vateer General Armstrongs of New-York, Captain 
Samuel C. Reid, of seven guns and ninety men, entered 
here on the 26th ult. about noon, seventeen days from 
that place, for the purpose of obtaining water. The 
Captain seeing nothing on the horizon, was induced to 
anchor. Before the elapse of many hours, his Majesty's 
brig Carnation came in and anchored near her. About 
six his Majesty's ship Plantagenet, of seveny-four guns, 
and the Rota frigate, came in and anchored also. The 
Captain of the privateer and his friends consulted the 
first authorities here about her security. — They all con- 
sidered her perfectly secure, and that his Majesty's offi- 
cers were too well acquainted with the respect due to a 
neutral port to molest her. But to the great surprise 
of every one, about nine in the evening, four boats were 
dispatched, armed and manned from his Majesty's 
ships, for the purpose of cutting her out. It being about 
full of moon, the night perfectly clear and cairn, we 
could see every movement made. The boats approached 
with rapidity towards her, when, it appears the Cap- 
tain of the privateer hailed them, and told them to keep 
off several times. They, notwithstanding, pushed on, 
and were in the act of boarding before any defence was 
made for the privateer. A warm contest ensued on both 
sides. The boats were finally dispersed with great loss. 
— The American, now calculating on a very superior 
force being sent, cut his cables, and rowed the privateer 
close in along side of the fort, within half cable's length, 
where he moored her, head and stern, with four lines. 
The Governor now sent a remonstrance to the Van 
Lloyd of the Plantagenet against such proceedings, and 
trusted that the privateer would not be further molested ; 
she being in the dominions of Portugal, and under the 
guns of the castle, was entitled to Portuguese protec- 
tion. Van Lloyd's answer was, that he was determined 
to destroy the vessel at the expense of all Fayal, and 
should any protection be given her by the fort, he would 



17 

not leave a house standing in the village. All the in- 
habitants were gathered about the walls, expecting a 
renewal of the attack. At midnight, fourteen launches 
were discovered to be coming in rotation for the pur- 
pose. When they got within clear, or gun shot, a tre- 
mendous and effectual discharge was made from the 
privateer which threw the boats into confusion. They 
now returned a spirited fire, but the privateer kept up 
so continual a discharge, it was almost impossible for 
the boats to make any progress. They finally succeed- 
ed, after immense loss, to get along side of her, and 
attempted to board at every quarter, cheered by the 
officers with a shout of no quarters, which we could 
distinctly hear, as well as their shrieks and cries. The 
termination was near about a total massacre. Three of 
the boats were sunk, and but one poor solitary officer 
escaped death in a boat that contained fifty souls; he 
was wounded. The Americans fought with great 
firmness. Some of the boats were left without a single 
man to row them ; others with three and four. The 
most that any one returned with was about ten. Se- 
veral boats floated on shore full of dead bodies. With 
great reluctance I state that they were manned with 
picked men, and commanded by the first, second, third, 
and fourth Lieutenants of the Plantagenet ; first, 
second, third, and fourth ditto of the frigate, and the 
first officers of the brig ; together with a great number 
of midshipmen — Our whole force exceeded four hun- 
dred men. — But three officers escaped, two of which 
are wounded. This bloody and unfortunate contest 
lasted about forty minutes. After the boats gave out, 
nothing more was attempted till daylight the next 
morning, when the Carnation hauled in along side, and 
engaged her. The privateer still continued to make a 
most gallant defence. These veterans reminded me of 
Lawrence's dying words of the Chesapeake, " don't 
give up the ship." — The Carnation lost one of her top 
masts, and her yards were shot away ; she was much 
cut up in rigging, and received several shot in her hull. 
This obliged her to haul off to repair, and to cease 

3* 



18 

firing. — The Americans now finding their principal 
gun {long Tom) and several others dismounted, deemed 
it folly to think of saving her against so superior a 
force; they therefore cut away her masts to the deck, 
blew a hole through her bottom, took out their small 
arms, clothing, &c. and went on shore. I discovered 
only two shot holes in the hull of the privateer, although 
much cut up in rigging. Two boat's crews were soon 
after dispatched from our vessels, which went on board, 
took out some provisions, and set her on fire. For three 
days after, we were employed in burying the dead that 
washed on shore in the surf. The number of British 
killed exceeds one hundred and twenty, and ninety 
wounded. The enemy to the surprise of mankind, lost 
only two killed and seven wounded. — We may well 
say " God deliver us from our enemies, if this is the way 
the Americans fight." — After burning the privateer, 
Van Lloyd made a demand of the governor to deliver 
up the Americans as his prisoners, which the governor 
refused. He threatened to send five hundred men on 
shore and .take them by force. The Americans imme- 
diately retired, with their arms, to an old Gothic con- 
vent ; knocked away the adjoining drawbridge, and de- 
termined to defend themselves to the last. The Van, 
however, thought better than to send his men. He then 
demanded two men, who, he said, deserted from his 
vessel when in America. The governor sent for the 
men, but found none of the description given. 

Many houses received much injury on shore from 
the guns of the Carnation. A woman, sitting in the 
fourth story of her house, had her thigh shot off, and 
a boy had his arm broken. The American Consul 
here has made a demand on the Portuguese government 
for a hundred thousand dollars for the privateer, which 
our consul, Mr. Parkin, thinks in justice will be paid, 
and that they will claim on England. Mr. Parkin, 
Mr. Edward Bayley, and other English gentlemen, 
disapprove of the outrage and depredation committed 
by our vessels on this occasion. The vessel that was 
dispatched to England with the wounded, was not per- 



19 

mitted to take a single letter from any person. Being 
an eye-witness to this transaction, 1 have given you a 
correct statement as it occurred. 

With respect, I am, &c. 

H. K. F. 



CITY OF WASHINGTON. 

Saturday, Jan. 25, 1817. 
Congress. 

We publish, this day, the report of the committee of 
the Senate on the petition of the owners of the private 
armed brig General Armstrong, claiming indemnity for 
the destruction of the said vessel in the port of Fayal by 
the British. 

The report is unfavourable to the prayer of the pe- 
titioners, and the reasons set forth are just and conclu- 
sive. There is no fixed principle of law or equity under 
which the United States can be called upon to make 
good a loss sustained under the circumstances of the pre- 
sent case. In the attack and destruction of the General 
Armstrong, a flagrant violation of the neutrality of a 
port was committed, and the law of nations and usages 
of civilized powers unite in pointing out the correct 
and acknowledged course in obtaining indemnification 
and from the peculiar circumstances of this transaction, 
there is no doubt but the Poituguese government will, 
on prompt representations, make good all the loss sus- 
tained on this occasion, and although not a subject pro- 
per to be debated upon, we feel no doubt that the British 
government will also reimburse the Portuguese govern- 
ment for the assumption of this claim, brought on by 
the imprudent zeal and culpable conduct of her officers. 
It is, then, through the government of the United 
States that the owners of the General Armstrong must 
seek redress from Portugal, and there can be little hesi- 
tation in declaring that no efforts will be wanting to 
command justice. 



20 

The committee of the Senate would not permit them- 
selves to report without paying a just tribute to the 
gallant efforts of Captain Reid and his little crew in 
repelling an attack made under such discouraging cir- 
cumstances. It can never cease to be an object of 
astonishment and just pride to the nation ; and the 
more that defence and its awful effects are examined 
the more securely we may rely on the skill and bravery 
of our officers and seamen. Captain Reid, we under- 
stand, is not interested in the General Armstrong, nor 
does he petition for indemnification or relief; he has, 
however, no less claims on the liberal consideration of 
his country. 



CONGRESS. 

The naval committee of the senate, to whom has 
been referred the memorial of Frederick Jenkins and 
Rensselaer Havens, in behalf of the owners, officers, 
and crew of the late private armed brig General Arm- 
strong. * 

Report : 

That the memorialists state, that on the 26th of Sep- 
tember, in the year 1814, while the private armed brig 
General Armstrong was lying at anchor in the port of 
Fayal, she was attacked by a superior British force, 
and, after a brave resistance by her commander, Samuel 
C. Reid, and his valiant crew, was destroyed. They 
also state, that the vessel and armament cost forty-two 
thousand dollars, and pray that such relief, indemnity, 
or compensation may be extended to the owners, offi- 
cers, and crew of the privateer, as, under the peculiar 
circumstances attending her destruction, may be deemed 
by congress just and equitable. 

The committee are left to conjecture the grounds on 
which the memorialists rely for a remuneration or in- 
demnity from their own government. It is presumed, 
however, that if the claim must be supported at all, on 
one of two grounds : First, because the vessel and ar- 



21 

mament were destroyed by the public enemy in a neu- 
tral port, and in violation of the laws of nations ; or 
Secondly, because the brave and gallant defence of Cap- 
tain Reid, his officers, and crew, entitle them to the 
bounty of the government. 

The committee are unable to perceive, what rights of 
indemnity the citizens of the United States can acquire 
against their own government for losses sustained in 
consequence of the violated rights of a third party. It 
is the duty, no doubt, of all governments to extend to 
the person and property of the citizen all the protection 
in their power. It is the end of all governments to do 
so. It is the right of the citizen to make known his 
wrongs to his government, and it is the duty of the 
government to seek redress by such means as it may 
deem expedient. The neutrality of Portugal was gross- 
ly violated in the case of the private armed ship Gen. 
Armstrong. It was the duty of that government to 
preserve her neutral character, and to protect the brig, 
and all on board, from any hostile attack while in her 
port. Either from want of ability or inclination it 
failed to do so; but can this failure to support its own 
rights, and perform its duty towards us, vest a right in 
an individual to come on his own government for in- 
demnity on account of a pecuniary loss ? The United 
States, it is believed, have done, or will do, what com- 
ports with their rights and their character. That in- 
demnity from Portugal for the loss of this property, 
should be insisted on as an affair of State, is perhaps 
highly proper ; but the committee cannot perceive how 
the weakness or the delinquency of Portugal can im- 
pose on the United States the duty of indemnifying the 
memorialists for the loss of the brig and her armament. 

The committee believe that this opinion is in con- 
formity with the practice of this government, and per- 
haps, of all governments. Antecedent to the year 1802, 
much property belonging to citizens of the United 
States, has been wrongfully seized by the cruisers of 
France. In no case, known to the committee, did this 
government indemnify its citizens from its own trea* 



22 

sury. Indemnity was sought from France by nego- 
tiation, and obtained in the Louisiana convention. Citi- 
zens of the United States at this moment, have claims 
to a vast amount against the governments of France, 
Spain and Naples, for property seized in violation of 
all right. On principle, all these claimants have the 
same right to demand indemnity from their own go- 
vernment as the memorialists in the present case : for, ill 
principle, the committee can see no distinction between 
a private armed ship and a merchant ship • nor between 
property captured and converted to the use of the cap 
tors, and property destroyed by a third party omitting 
to do its duty. 

If this is a mere appeal to the liberality of congress ; 
if the memorialists rely for the success of their applica- 
tion or. the brave^, gallantry, and good conduct of 
Captain Reid, his officers and crew, in the defence of 
the vessel, then the committee are sensible that a stronger 
case of the kind could not present itself. The stubborn 
bravery, the cool intrepidity, and presence of mind dis- 
played by Captain Reid, and his associates, in the de- 
fence of the ship, was perhaps, never equalled, certainly 
never surpassed, by any private armed vessel in the an- 
nals of naval warfare. It has excited the admiration 
of the nation, and cannot fail to immortalize those con- 
cerned. If actions like this are to be rewarded with 
money, too much could not be given ; but government 
is but the trustee of the nation, and is bound, deliberately 
to examine into the principle on which the treasure of 
the nation is bestowed, and the extent of the precedent 
which is set in bestowing it. It is unknown to the com- 
mittee that congress, as yet, has ever dispensed its boun- 
ty, or in any way bestowed a gratuity for any achieve- 
ment, except to its own peculiar force : nor in any case 
except there was victory. The committee are of opi- 
nion that it would be inexpedient to do so. It would 
open the treasury to a class of cases, arising out of the 
last war, which would be extensive and erroneous. The 
effect of such a measure must be counted on, for they 
would be felt in all future wars. 



23 

The case of the Essex, attacked also in a neutral 
situation, is a strong one. The defence there too was 
valiant, persevering 1 , and highly honourable to all or. 
board, as well as to the nation, yet Congress has done 
nothing ; for the essential quality of victory was want- 
ing to the transaction. The committee, therefore, m 
whatever aspect they view the application of the me- 
morialists, are of opinion, that it would be unsafe and 
inexpedient to grant it, and recommend the following- 
resolution: 

Resolved, That the committee on naval affairs be dis- 
charged from the further consideration of the memorial 
of Frederick Jenkins and Rensselaer Havens. 



HERO OF FAYAL. 

In the present state of affairs, both foreign and do- 
mestic, we know not how we can better discharge our 
duty to the readers of the Chronicle than by publish- 
ing the foil ■ documents, relative to the brilh. 
affair at Fayal, when Captain Samuel C. Reui so 
nobly defended the privateer General Armstrong, 
against a very superior force. Comment is unnec 
sa xy 

REPORT 

Of the Committee on Naval Affairs, on the petition of 
Capt. Samuel C. Re id, accompanied with a bill au- 
thorizing a sum of money to be distributed among 
the officers and crew of the late private armed bn<: 
the Gen. Armstrong. 

March 4, 1818. 

Read, and with the Bill committed to a committee of 

the whole House on Monday next. 

The Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was re- 
ferred the petition of Samuel C. Reid, captain of the 
late private armed brig, the Gen. Armstrong, on behalf 
of himself, the officers and crew of the said brig, 



24 

REPORT : 

It appears from the petition, and other documents, 
that the circumstances which gave rise to the appli- 
cation, were in substance the following. Captain Reid, 
in the private armed brig, the General Armstrong, of 
seven guns and ninety men, left the port of New- York, 
on a cruise, early in September, 1314; on the 26th of 
the same month they came to anchor in the port of 
Fayal, one of the Azores or Western Islands, belong- 
ing to the crown of Portugal ; in the evening of the 
same day, a British squadron, consisting of the Plan- 
tagenet of 74, the Rota of 44, and the Carnation of 
18 guns, under the command of Captain Lloyd, an- 
chored in the same port ; during the night, which was 
entirely clear, the moon near or at the full and shining 
brightly, which enabled the Americans to examine ac- 
curately, and observe distinctly the movements of the 
enemy ; four boats full of armed men were observed to 
be approaching the Armstrong, from the smallest of 
their vessels which lay near ; Captain Reed hailed 
them repeatedly to know what were their views ; no 
answer being returned, and the boats continuing to ap- 
proach, orders were given to fire upon them, which 
were instantly obeyed with destructive effect, and after 
a short contest the boats retreated to their ships. It 
was soon discovered that the enemy were making pre- 
parations to renew the attack, which was commenced 
about midnight, with twelve or fourteen boats, contain- 
ing as was supposed about 400 men completely armed 
and prepared. After a most obstinate, and on the part 
of the enemy bloody contest, which lasted about forty 
minutes, they were entirely frustrated in their attempts 
to carry the brig, and again retreated to their ships. In 
this second contest several of the enemy's boats were 
destroyed, and two of them taken possession of by the 
crew of the Armstrong, literally filled with dead. After 
the second retreat of the enemy, the greatest exertions 
were used by the Americans to prepare their vessel for 
action in case of another attack. About this time, 
Capt. Reid received a note from Mr. Dabney, the 



25 

American consul, requesting to see him on shore ; when 
he repaired thither, the consul informed him that the 
Portuguese governor had addressed a note to tha com- 
mander of the British squadron, protesting against his 
violating the neutrality of the port, and requiring him 
to cease from further outrage on those whom it was 
his duty to protect. To this note captain Lloyd return- 
ed a menacing reply, that he would take the Armstrong 
at every hazard, and if she was injured by her crew 
he would consider the place as an enemy's port, and 
treat it accordingly. During the last action with the 
boats, the Armstrong lay within pistol shot of the 
castle. Captain Reid then returned on board his ves- 
sel, and about daybreak a cannonade was commenced 
from one of the i vessels on the Armstrong. 

Thus situated, fin ling the enemy determined to perse- 
vere in their outrage, and from the immense superiority 
of their force, knowing it would be impossible to save 
his vessel, Captain Reid having due regard for the safe- 
ty of his comrades who had so nobly supported him, 

termined to sen:: r and leave her; this he did, 
when she was immediately set on Ore by the enemy 

and destroyed. In thesi ral contests, from g 1 in* 

formation, there i- to !« li< ve the loss of the ene- 

my at a moderate calculation, amounted at leasi to 

Omen in killed and wounded; that of the Ameri- 
cans was two killed and seven wouuded. The petition 
further states, that this British squadron was on its 
way to the West Indies to join the force destined to 
make an attack on New Orleans; -that in consequence 
of the injury which they sustained, their junction was 
so much ret irde I, and the expedition so much delayed, 
that the Americans had time to prepare for the defence 
of that place, which, but tor this circumstance, could 
probably not ha\ n effected. The petition con- 

cludes with a prayer that Congress would bestow some- 
thing on those who so gallantly defended the Ameri- 
can flag, under circumstances so hopeless; and who in 
the contest lo^t nearly the whole of their little all. 

This case has engaged much of the attention of the 



26 

committee.- They do not believe that the annals of our 
government furnish a precedent of rewards bestowed on 
men situated as were the crew of the Armstrong, not 
in the* public service. They are fully aware also of 
the weight attached, and justly attached to precedents 
which have been settled on due consideration ; it would 
therefore, be with much reluctance that they would 
■consent to establish one, to which an appeal might be 
made in future cases somewhat analogous in principle. 
But on mature reflection, apprehensions from the pre- 
cedent which may be established by this case, are 
much diminished. It will not be going too far, in the 
opinion of the committee, to say that among all the 
achievements which embellish the annals of the late 
war there was not one which surpassed that now under 
consideration. A few brave men in the middle of the 
Atlantic Ocean, who had no personal interest in the 
preservation of the vessel they defended, and the mere 
preservation of which without a miracle, must have 
been impracticable, could have been actuated by nothing 
short of the noblest motives which impel men to the 
achievement of valiant deeds; those motives could 
have been only their own -honour and the glory of the 
flag under which they fought. They knew well the 
high value which was placed by their country on the 
rising reputation of their infant navy; they knew it 
was all important that that reputation should be sus- 
tained by Americans in whatever situation they might 
be placed ; and impelled by these generous motives, 
and these alone, they hazarded every thing to accom- 
plish their object. They succeeded ; and though after 
two complete victories, the second gained under cir- 
cumstances of the greatest inequality, they were ulti- 
mately obliged to yield to a superior force, yet the 
honor of the flag was suppoited, and the American 
character raised to an elevation calculated to produce 
the most beneficial effects. Should this Congress be- 
stow on these gallant men some mark of their bounty, 
the committee think it would be well bestowed ; and 
should it have the effect of producing similar exertions 



27 

dn future wars, and this precedent be pleaded in sup- 
port of similar applications, they do not believe the 
country will have cause to regret the application of a 
small sum to a purpose so beneficial. -—From all the 
circumstances of the case, the committee recommended 
to the House, the passage of a bill herewith reported, 
to divide among the officers and crew of the Arm- 
strong the sum of ten thousand dollars. 



To the honourable the Congress of the. United States, 
in Senate and House of Representatives convened : 
The memorial of Samuel C. Reid, late commander 
of the private armed brig General Armstrong, on 
behalf of the officers and crew of the said vessel, 

Respectfully Shewcth : 

That on the 26th September, 1814, the said vessel 
being at anchor in the port of Fayal, and having on 
board a crew of ninety men, and seven guns, was at- 
tacked by a superior force under the command of Com- 
modore Lloyd, and that the said vessel was finally 
burnt and destroyed. 

For the details of that action, your memorialist re- 
fers to the letter of John E. Dabney, Esqr. then consul 
for the United States at Fayal, to the Secretary of 
State, dated 5th October, 1814. 

It would not become your memorialist to speak of 
the merit (if any there was) of the officers and crew 
of the Armstrong in that action. He may nevertheless, 
be allowed to state as a fact, that the squadron with 
which they engaged, was a part of that armament 
which was destined to make the descent upon New- 
Orleans, and that the injury sustained by this squadron 
in the action above mentioned, delayed for a time its 
junction with the fleet then in the West Indies, and 
thus retarded the progress of the expedition, which 
.gave time to to the brave Jackson to collect and arrange 
&is forces. 




28 

The officers and crew of the Armstrong do not ar- 
rogate to themselves any personal merit, by reason of 
events and consequences which they could not have 
foreseen. Yet, if by the faithful discharge of their 
duty as citizens, they have, under Providence, been the 
instruments in effecting a great public good, they may 
hope thence to derive a fairer claim to the notice of 
their government. 

Your memorialist, on behalf of the said officers and 
crew, begs leave further to observe, that when they were 

. attacked by a force so vastly superior, and when there 
was no longer a hope of successful resistance or of 

. the preservation of the vessel, they would have been 
justified to the owners, and would have perhaps es- 
caped the reproaches of their fellow citizens if they 
had abandoned their vessel, and sought only their per- 
sonal safety. But they owed a duty to their country, 
and it was this impulse alone that could induce them 
to make such a resistance at the expense of their lives 
and property, no other object being in view ; and they 
do hope, therefore, that their case may not be con- 
founded with that of those who may have fought 
bravely from the mere prospect of gain. 

The officers and crew of the Armstrong had not the 
advantages of being in the immediate employ, nor of 
enjoying the pay and emolument of government ; yet 
they have been led to presume that a service rendered 
to their country is not the less meritorious for having 
been performed without the obligation of contract, or 
previous stipulation for raward. 

It may be true that valiant deeds are not to be re- 
warded with, money, yet the practice of our own go- 
vernment, and that of every civilized nation in the old 
worlds testifies their opinion, that sound policy requires, 
that the citizens or subjects who perform such deeds 
as attract the notice of government, should not want 
the means of decent support; and congress have deign- 
ed to bestow and our naval heroes have not disdained 
to receive pecuniary reward for services they may have 
rendered their country in the destruction of men and 
ships of the enemy. 



29 

It is with great reluctance and hesitation, that your 
memorialist, the said Samuel C. Reid, claims the at- 
tention of Congress ; for himself, he should have been 
for ever silent, but he can no longer resist the importuni- 
ties of those who were his associates in that action, nor 
be longer a passive witness to their poverty and dis- 
tress, some of whom feel the smart of their wounds to 
this day. 

The said officers and crew having lost most of their 
baggage and other necessaries, and having also suffered 
great privations and distress, arrived in the United 
States about the close of the war, and owing to the em- 
barrassments of commerce and navigation, have been 
unable by any exertions to procure for themselves and 
families bare subsistence ; whence, far the greater part 
of them and their families, are now actually suffering 
from want. 

Your memorialist hath been led to believe that it 
would not be deemed honourable to the nation or its go- 
vernment, that those whom the journals of Congress 
have thought proper to eulogise, should exist but in 
misery and distress in the bosom of their own country. 

SAMUEL C. REID. 



HIGH TRIBUTE TO HEROIC BRAVERY. 

Captain Reid, of the General Armstrong, privateer, 
which was so treacherously destroyed by the enemy in 
the Neutral Port of Fayal, arriving in this city, on his 
way from Savannah to New- York, some of the mem- 
bers of the Virginia Legislature, now in session, who had 
been charmedby the gallantry of an achievement, which 
is not inferior to any of the numerous feats performed 
upon the seas during the present war, wished to avail 
themselves of this opportunity of testifying to the gal- 
lant stranger, the deep sentiments of esteem which they 
had conceived for the intrepidity of his character and 
his crew. They expressed their wishes on the subject 
to Captain Reid, on Wednesday night, and begged the 

4* 



30 

honour of his company to dinner on the next day. Cap- 
tain Reid politely consented to stay, and accepted the 
invitation. Though the time was so short, yet the im- 
pulse was irresistible. — It drew a most brill ant a d 
respectable company of the members of both houses of 
the Legislature and the citizens of this place, to an ex- 
cellent dinner provided by Mr. Brooks at the Eagle 
Tavern. — The scene was graced with the company of 
the Governor, members of the Executive Council, judg- 
es of the Superior Court, of Captain Reid in uniform 
and his companion, Mr. Blanchard. — The company 
met to enjoy themselves, and nothing could occur to 
mar the harmony of the scene or arrest the "flow of 
soul." This was the first opportunity which our citi- 
zens or the individual Members of the Legislature have 
enjoyed during the present war of manifesting, in any 
public way, their personal respect for the heroes who 
have won the applause of the world. It was not won- 
derful, therefore, that our feelings should come forth, 
fresh, warm and full of enthusiasm. The electric fire 
of patriotism spread from bosom to bosom ; and while 
the toast and song of sentiment went round, every 
generous heart caught the inspiration, and every lip 
gave it utterance. 

Mr. Stevenson, (the Speaker of the House of Dele- 
gates.) acted as President — and Mr. Wirt as Vice- 
President — After the cloth was removed, the following 
Toasts were drank : 

1. The People, the purest fountain of political power. 

2. The Union of these States; the ark of our co- 
venant — May the hand that touches it wither in the 
dust. 

3. The President and the Congress of the United 
States — May the spirit of our fathers descend to guide 
their councils. 

4. The memory of Washington, the Father of his 
Country, and the wonder of the world. 

5. The heroes of the Revolution, who died for the 
Liberties of America. — May their glory never be en- 
hanced by the degeneracy of their sons. 



31 

6. The heroes of the present war, who have sealed 
their devotion to their country by their blood — when 
gratitude has paid the pious tribute of its tears, memo- 
ry shall crown each name with unfading laurel. 

7. The Navy — whose lightning has struck down the 
"meteor flag of England" — They have conquered those 
who had conquered the world. 

8. The private cruisers of the United States — whose 
intrepidity has pierced the enemy's Channels, and beard- 
ed the Lio?i in his Den. 

9. The army of the Niagara — the rivals of our tars 
— Their gallant deeds will live to endless ages, in the 
records of time. 

10. Brown, Scott, Gaines, and Porter — Chippewa, 
Bridgewater, Plattsburg and Erie, are the deathless 
monuments of their fame. 

11. Barney, Boyle and their compatriots, who have 
ploughed the seas in search of the enemy, and hurled 
retaliation upon his head. 

13. The Port of Fayal — whcse waves have been 
stained by a violation of neutrality —May the Prince 
Regent of Portugal remember what is due to himself. 

14. Our Ministers at Ghent — who breathe the spirit 
of their country — war, in preference to the slightest 
sacrifice of our honour. 

15. Foreign Nations — let us hold them as did our 
fathers of old — u Enemies in war, in peace, friends." 

16. Legislators! may the people abandon those who 
sacrifice the safety of their country to the shadow of 
popularity. 

On the Governor's retiring, 
18. W. 0. Nicholas, Governor of Virginia. — The 
firm patriot and inflexible republican. 

VOLUNTEERS : 

By Captain Reid — Commodore Perry, the Conqueror 
of Lake Erie — Commodore Macdonough, the Conqueror 
of Lake Champlain — May it not be long, ere Commo- 
dore Chauncey is Conqueror of Lake Ontario. 



32 

By Mr. Blanchard— The memory of Commodore 
Preble, whose discipline laid the corner-stone of the 
Pillar of Naval Glory now erecting. 

By the Vice-President — The memory of the General 
Armstrong; she has " graced her fall and made her 
ruin glorious." 

By Judge Cabell — The Spirit of our Forefathers : 
displayed in concert and energy of action ; not wasted 
in endless and fruitless discussion. 

By Judge Brockenbrough. — Neutral Ports, — when- 
ever the Tyrants of the Ocean dare to invade these 
sanctuaries, may they meet with an 'Essex' and an 
'Armstrong? 

By General Cocke — American, Tars — their achiev- 
ments form an era in the naval annals of the world; 
may their brother soldiers emulate their deeds of ever- 
lasting renown. 

On Captain Reid's retiring: 

By the President. — Captain Reid — His valour has 
shed a blaze of renown upon the character of our sea- 
men, and won for himself a laurel of eternal bloom. 

By Mr. Little of N. C— The Patriotism of the An- 
cient Dominion of Virginia ; that never flags in peace 
or in war. 

By Mr. Wm. Watkins of the H. of D.— The People, 
more ready to pay Taxes, than the constituted authori- 
ties to impose them. 

By Mr. Charles F. Mercer of the same — The Na- 
vy — Our shield and our sword. 

By Mr. T. Ritchie— The Congress of theU. S— 
Whatever be the apathy or imbecility that reigns over 
their councils, let us never despair of the Republic. 

By Mr. James Robertson (of the H. of D. ) — The 
Convention at Hartford — If it be pregnant with any 
thing National, may its deliberations eventuate in 
abortion. 

By Mr. Barbour ( of the H. of D. )— The Defence 
Bill — Decision in the council and energy in the field. 

By Mr. Joseph C. Cabell, of the Senate. — The Con- 
gress at Vienna, and the Dispatches from our Minister, 



33 

at Ghent, notwithstanding — The best foundation for 
Peace is vigorous preparation for War. 

By Mr. Wm. Sdden of the H of D — The Old Do- 
minion — long may she be like Greece in science and in 
Liberty ; As Athens learned, like Lacedemon free. 

By Mr. Cook ( ofPorlsrnovth) of the H. ofJ).— Brig. 
Gen. Porter, late commander in chief at Norfolk — his 
military talents and labours have secured that post 
against assault. May the rewards of his country be 
commensurate with his talents. 

By Mr. John Hooe of the H ofD—Mixy the present 
sons of America evince equal virtue, patriotism, and 
candour, with those of their forefathers. 



State of New-York. 
In Senate, April 17 Ih, 1815. 

Resolved : 
That the valour and heroism of our fellow citizen, 
Samuel C. Reid, Esquire, commander of the late pri- 
vate Armed Brig General Armstrong; and the officers 
and crew under his command, m resisting the attack 
of his Britannic Majesty's Ships, the Plantagenet 
seventy-four,- Rota frigate, and Carnation Sloop of 
War, in the neutral port of Fayal, command the ad- 
miration of the American people; ami render proper an 
expression of commendation and applause by the Re- 
presentatives of this state. 

Reso/rrd : 
That the thanks of this legislature be presented to 
Samuel C. Reid, Esquire, and the gallant officers and 
brave crew under his command, for their cool and in- 
trepid valour displayed in resisting the said attack, and 
thus gloriously maintaining the honour of the American 
F/a<r, and valiantly avenging the violated rights of 
their country ; and that his excellency the governor be 
requested to present the said Samuel C. Reid, Esquire, 
with a Sword, in behalf of this Legislature, as a testi- 
monial of their gratitude, 



34 

Resolved : 
That the concurrence of the honourable the assembly 
be requested, and that in case of such concurrence, his 
excellency, the Governor, be desired to transmit a copy 
of the above Resolutions to the said Samuel C. Reid, 
Esquire. By Order of the Senate, 

John F. Bacon, Clerk. 



State of New-York. 

In Assembly, April 18th, 1815. 

Resolved : 

That this House do concur with the honourable the 
Senate, in their preceding Resolutions. 
By Order of the Assembly, 

Aaron Clark, Clerk. 



[Private.) Castleton, Staten Island, Oct. 20th, 18X5. 

Sir — The enclosed communication was prepared be' 
fore I left Albany in April last, with an intention of de- 
livering it to you in New- York. On my arrival in New- 
York I learned that you were in Europe, and waited 
your return ; of which I was not advised until I saw 
Governor Shelby's letter in the public prints a few days 



ago. 



The object of this private letter is both to apologize 
for the delay of the communication and resolutions; 
and to inform you that I will have the honour to present 
the sword, so soon as that and other swords voted by 
our Legislature, all of which are preparing,* shall be 
finished. 

Allow me here to renew an assurance of my great 
consideration and esteem, and to repeat my conviction 
that theevent to which the communications and reso- 
lutions relate, will long form one of our proudest na- 
tional recollections. 

Daniel D. Tompkins. 
Samuel C. Rbid, Esquire. 



35 

New- York, 3d December, 1815. 
To his Excellency Governor Tompkins. 

Sir — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt 
of your Excellency's esteemed favours of the 24th 
April, and 20th October last ; together with a copy of 
the Resolutions passed by the Hon. Legislature of this 
State, expressing their approbation of the conduct 
of the officers and crew of the General Armstrong, 
(which vessel I had the honour to command) during the 
action with the enemy at Fa.yal. 

The manner in which that honourable body has been 
pleased to notice our affair, though peculiar in itself, 
must be truly grateful to the feelings of every person 
who bore a part in that doubtful conflict ; for the ter- 
mination of which, I am wholly indebted to the patri- 
otism and good conduct of the officers : and the fidelity, 
and firmness of our crew, whose exertions notwith- 
standing must have been in vain — had not that Om- 
nipotent Being who shielded us from the weapons of the 
foe, at the same time decreed us the victory. 

I pray your Excellency will make known to the 
Hon. Legislature the high sense of gratitude I feel, and 
shall ever continue to feel, for the several Resolutions 
they have been pleased to pass in my favour. 

For the flattering encomiums contained in your Ex- 
cellency's first mentioned letter, I beg leave to offer 
for myself my most sincere and unfeigned thanks ; 
and, agreeable to your request, shall take the earliest 
opportunity of communicating the same to the officers 
and crew of the General Armstrong. 

With great consideration and esteem, 

I have the honor to remain, 
Sir, 
Your most obedient and very humble Servant, 

SAMUEL C. REID. 



36 

MoTiday, December 2, 1816. 

The glory which attended the American arms 
throughout the whole of our late contest with Great 
Britain, will be handed down to posterity, and will re- 
main as a monument of the virtue and valour of a 
young; and high-spirited nation, so long as a page of 
history shall be preserved from the ravages of time. 
Our naval victories have all been conspicuously honour- 
able ; but it remained for America to rescue from the 
stigma, which a habit of barbarous plunder had thrown 
upon it, the system of privateering, and which was 
considered, by many, a species of highway robbery 
and legalised plunder — acts of barbarity and wanton 
cruelty having too often marked it. The genius and 
humanity of our countrymen stripped it of these dis- 
graceful attendants, and, while they employed private 
armed ships to annoy the commerce of our enemy, they 
never tarnished their valour by acts at which honour- 
able men might blush; and they rendered this species 
of warfare of particular advantage to the nation — so 
much so, that, at the time when the war approached its 
close, the government seeing the great effects to be pro- 
duced by li-ht vessels, in injuring the commerce of our 
foe, had ordered a number to be fitted out as national 
ships, and theie is no doubt in the mind of any one 
but that thejr would have struck a terror to British 
commerce without a parallel. 

Among the many acts of heroism performed by the 
private armed vessels of our citizens, that performed by 
captain Re id, in the harbour of Fayal, in defence of 
the private armed brig Gen. Armstrong, against the 
enormously superior force employed against him by two 
frigates, was of so brilliant a nature, that it called 
forth the attention of the legislature of this state, and 
claimed from that body a reward due to extraordinary 
merit. They therefore voted hirn, with other heroes, a 
sword, which was presented to him on the 25th ult. by 
his excellency governor Tompkins, with the following 
appropriate address : 

Sir — Previously to the declaration of the late war 



37 

©ur prowess had not been sufficiently tested to establish 
a decided claim to pre-eminence on the ocean. No 
sooner did the sound to arms reverberate through the 
land, than our naval heroes, panting for an opportu- 
nity to evince the superiority of American tars, launch- 
ed forth in pursuit of a foe, unrivalled in exploits on 
that element. A succession of brilliant triumphs, 
crowned ttiem with imperishable fame, and exalted the 
naval character of our country to the most enviable 
height. Many who had not the opportunity to gather 
laurels in the navy, fired at the recital of the victories 
obtained by their brother tars, equipped private vessels, 
and sailed in search of adventures and of fame. 

The brio- General Armstrong; which was confided 
to your command, is amongst the most renowned of our 
private armed vessels. Whilst peaceably anchored in 
the neutral port of Fayal, she whs attacked by a Bri- 
tish squadron of overwhelming force, in violation of all 
the principles of public law. The enemy was repeat- 
edly foiled in his attempts to capture the Armstrong, by 
the most desperate defence which the mind can con- 
ceive of: and, although the enemy ultimately compel- 
led you to destroy your vessel and repair to the shore; 
the immense loss he sustained, and the deep wound 
which the gallant repulse inflicted on his character, 
will long be remembered by the British nation. Un- 
subdued, and burning with indignation at the baseness 
of the attack on the one hand, and with the unprece- 
dented timidity of the governor of Fayal in withholding 
the rights of hospitality and protection on the other, 
your heroic band encamped upon the shore, and hurled 
defiance at all around them. Such heroic conduct con- 
founds the mind with admiration, and the fame of it 
has resounded in every country. The whole civilized 
world has awarded to it the meed of praise and of ad- 
miration. 

Impressed with a lively sense of the honour confcred 
on the American character, by the conduct of the offi 
cers and crew of the Armstrong, the legislature of the 
state of New- York, have testified their approbation 

5 



38 

and thanks, by presenting a sword to you, the com- 
mander. In performing the duty assigned me, and 
while I convey to you the assurance of my exalted 
opinion of your courage and conduct on that occasion, 
allow me to mingle my sympathies with yours, and with 
those of the American nation, at the untimely fate of 
the lamented heroes, Worth and Williams, who so 
nobly seconded your efforts to defend the Armstrong, 
and to sustain, untarnished, the naval reputation of 
America. The one fell greatly in the action ; and it 
has pleased an allwise Providence to entomb the other 
with a Blakely and a Shubrick, in that ocean whose 
piofoundest depths have been illuminated by the glory 
of their deeds. 

CAPTAIN REID'S REPLY. 

Sir — Suffer me, through your Excellency, to tender 
to the ever watchful guardians and patriotic represent- 
atives of this state, my unfeigned thanks for this 
marked approbation of my conduct whilst command- 
ing the General Armstrong. I accept this Sword, Sir, 
with the liveliest sense of gratitude to your Excellency, 
and the enlightened people over whom you so happily 
preside. 



It is with pleasure we publish the following testi- 
monial of undaunted boldness and skill exhibited by 
Capt Reid, in his well known engagement at Fayal in 
1814: bravery which no one at all acquainted with 
the facts, ever doubted, we believe, for a moment. 

Messrs. Editois, 
Having been absent from this section of the country 
for several years past, I was not a little astonished to 
find on my return to this city, a story in circulation 
(and as I learn growing out of political opposition) 
doubting the good conduct and bravery of Capt. 
Samuel C. Reid, while commanding the late private 
armed brig Gen. Armstrong, in the memorable action 



39 

of the night of the 26th September, 1814, in the por 
of Fayal, with the Plantagenet 74, Rota frigate, and 
Carnation sloop of war. 

Gentlemen. 1 had the honour of holding the office of 
Sailing Master, on board the Gen. Armstrong, under 
the command of Capt. Reid, and being desirous while 
I have the opportunity of clearing up all doubts on this 
subject in relation to that gentleman, if any j>et re- 
main, I now most sincerely declare without fear of 
contradiction, that Capt. Reid's conduct during the 
whole cruise, and particularly in the said action at 
Fayal, was of the most exemplary character : and 
that so far from being in any possible shape or man- 
ner the least remiss in his duty as commander, at any 
one time during the said action, he was on the con- 
trary always at his post directing the battle, and shar- 
ing the dangers with the rest of us on that eventful 
night. Nor^did he leave the said vessel at anytime 
from the commencement of the action until the ene- 
my's boats were entirely defeated, nor even then until 
he had superintended the landing of the dead and 
wounded, together with all the baggage and stores. 

I have written this, gentlemen, in justice to Capt. 
Reid ; and as I expect it will meet the eyes of some of 
my fellow officers and seamen, who have survived that 
hard fought (and to us as yet) unprofitable contest, 
they as well as me can testify to the truth of this 
statement. 

In publishing the above you will confer a favour on, 

Gentlemen, Yours, &c. 

BENJAMIN STARK, 

Sailing Master of the late private armed 
brig Gen. Armstrong, of New-York. 
New-York, 2Qth Dec. 1825, 



40 

* 

THE GENERAL ARMSTRONG. 

New-York, Dec. 1825. 

To the Editors of the Statesman. 

Gentlemen — I have seen a statement in jour paper 
from Mr. Stark, who was sailing master of the General 
Armstrong, in the memorable action of the 26th of 
Sept. 1814, in the port of Fayal, « ith the Plantagenet 
74, Rota frigate, and Carnation, sloop of war, or their 
boats, containing about 500 men, each boat armed 
with a carronade. 

Gentlemen, I had the honour of holding the office 
of third lieutenant on board of the General Armstrong 
under the command of Captain Reid, and being de- 
sirous of clearing up all doubts on this subject in rela- 
tion to that gentleman, I will now give a few of the 
particulars. 

Capt. Reid was standing on the taffarel, in his shirt 
sleeves, when the four boats came up at 8 P. M. Capt. 
R. hailed the first boats while standing there, and did 
not leave that station until they cried for quarters from 
the boats. In the midnight attack, Capt. R. gave his 
orders with the utmost coolness, hailed the boats as be- 
fore, and gave the orders when to fire. 

At one time during the action, when there was a 
lack of catridges, he ran forward and ordered throwing 
shot by hand into the boats, and continued himself 
throwing snot into the boats until cartridges were sup- 
plied. At the close of the action he fired the Long 
Tom himself, (which flew off the carriage) and then 
ordered three cheers and the gun to be mounted again ; 
and superintended the same until it was completed- 

I was wounded while on the quarter deck, which 
gave me an opportunity of observing the conduct of 
Capt. R. minutely, until the action was over, at which 
time I was carried on shore. After the wounded men 
of the General Armstrong were dressed, the Surgeon 
was ordered to dress those of the enemy, and see them 
taken care of on shore. 

Gentlemen, I was in several actions in the Gen. 



41 

Armstrong on her previous cruises, and have seen many 
other armed vessels, but never saw better discipline, 
nor a crew better satisfied with their commander, than 
the crew of the Gen. Armstrong was with Capt. R. 
in every part of the cruise, and particularly in this en- 
gagement, his conduct was that of a gentleman and an 

officer. 

By publishing the above, you will, gentlemen, 

oblige yours, &c. 

ROBT. JOHNSON. 

Late third Lieutenant of the Gen. Armstrong. 



TO THE EDITORS OF MERCANTILE ADVERTISER. 

Gentleme?i } 

I hand you for publication a letter, which was re- 
ceived in my absence from the country, from his Ex- 
cellency Governor Shelby, of Kentucky. Since my 
return, sickness has prevented an earlier attention to its 
publication. As the sentiments which it expresses are 
general with respect to our navy and private armed 
vessels, I conceive it my duty for that reason to give it 
publicity ; and it is likewise due to the officers and crew 
of the General Armstrong, thus to make known to 
them the approbation of his Excellency. 

SAMUEL C. REID. 
New-York, Oct. 13, 1816. 



Frankfort, {Ken.) May 8, 1815. 

Sir — The return of peace to our country, upon 
honourable terms, with a national character exalted in 
an eminent degree, affords us leisure to review the va- 
rious conflicts in which that character has been de- 
veloped. 

On the ocean where we had most to dread we have 
found a rich harvest of glory;- and the American 
tars have secured to themselves the admiration of the 
world. To the officers and crews of our public vessels, 

5* 



42 

much is due; and the nation through its public func- 
tionaries, and in other forms, has fully demonstrated 
its gratitude. We are not less indebted to the officers 
and crews of our private armed vessels — instances of 
talent, skill, discipline, and of a determined unconque- 
rable bravery have been manifested by our privateers- 
men ; when their situations might have presented to or- 
dinary minds sufficient inducement for avoiding the 
contest, nothing but a generous and noble patriotism 
could have led to such deeds. I have no reason to be- 
lieve that the nation at large is not fully impressed with 
the gratitude due to this class of our heroes. But I 
have regretted that there has been so few demonstra- 
tions of that sentiment: you will, therefore, although a 
stranger to you, permit me for myself, individually, and 
on behalf of the state over which I have the honour to 
preside, to assure you that the conduct of yourself and 
of your officers and crew in defence of the General 
Armstrong in the port of Fayal, merits the first ap- 
plause of the nation, and is duly appreciated by our 
citizens. 

No one conflict during the war has placed the Ameri- 
can character in so proud a view. 

The baseness of the attack in a neutral port, the 
overwhelming force of the assailants; the small pros- 
pect of success to yourself and crew, and the unpara- 
lelled disparity of loss, demonstrated' a combination of 
talents, skill and heroism, seldom equalled, and never 
surpassed. 

I trust our government will lose no time in demand- 
ing a fair remuneration of the vessel and her apparel, 
&c. and that it will be prosecuted with effect. 

May you, your officers and crew, long live to enjoy 
the laurels you so nobly won. 

I have the honour to be with high consideration of 
respect and esteem, Sir, 

Your most obedient humble servant, 

ISAAC SHELBY. 

Captain Samuel C. Reid, late Commander of) 
the U. S. privateer General Armstrong. jj 



43 

AMERICAN BRAVERY. 

In the conclusion of the following article, Mr. Cob- 
bett's correspondence ascribes the superior valour and 
prowess of the Americans, to their greater physical 
ability, from better living, and the spirit of republican- 
ism and independence by which they are animated. 
He speaks in just terms of the action at Fayal, for 
■which Capt. Reid so deservedly received the compli- 
ment of a set of plate on Saturday. 



Sir — As the American contest is become remarkable 
and begins to excite considerable interest, allow me to 
make some desultory remarks upon it, which may 
have a beneficial influence on some, at least of your 
readers. Whether the advantage is or is not in our 
favour, at this stage of the contest, it is not my pur- 
pose to examine. But the gallantry displayed by the 
Republicans in particular cases, appears to surpass any 
thing on record in the history of mankind, if the ac- 
count can be relied on. 

Gen. Drummond's report of his action with their 
land forces cannot be questioned, and the resolute on- 
set, on that occasion cannot be read without a shivering 
kind of astonishment, which leaves little power of 
analysing the feelings of the mind, struck aghast, 
transfixed, and recoiling. 

But the account which you gave of the naval ac- 
tion at Fayal, exceeds that and every thing which man 
has ever heard of ; and I am, I own, led to doubt the 
correctness of the statement. Whether our force was 
employed regularly or not must be left to future eluci- 
dation. 1 believe, from the character of our naval of- 
ficers, it will be found that no impeachment of them 
will be finally proved. But, taking the account which 
you have published, to be in other respects, exact, I 
must confess that no parallel transaction has ever come 
to my knowledge. What to admire most, the delibe- 
rate conduct, or the desperate valour of these men, be- 
comes a question of difficulty. The commander first 



44 

makes inquiry of the Portuguese authorities as to his 
safety — he then abstains from hostility till he is ac- 
tually attacked, and the aggression becomes undoubted. 
Now, having repulsed the assailants, he rows his tiny 
vessel under the neutral fort, that his station may be no 
problem. When called upon there to act, he and his 
brave crew, seemingly well prepared for the worst, deal 
destruction on the enemy with almost supernatural 
good fortune and success. 

As long as resistance could be made, with hope of 
glory, for there could have been none of final safety, 
they remain at their post, to encounter, after every 
struggle, a ship of superior force, which could not 
want a superabundance of hands for offence and de- 
fence — and beat her off. Not seeing any good from 
prolonging a contest, in which they destroy more than 
twice their own number, they render their cock-boat 
unserviceable, and retire. Yet, pursued and demanded, 
they resolve with their small numbers, to brave danger 
to the last and occupy a position on land, determined 
to render as dear as possible their eventual fall before 
such superior force. This last determination is the es- 
sence of heroism; it drives one wild with admiration. 
From Cobbelfs Weekly Register, December 10. 

ii 

On Saturday evening, at Tammany Hall, a handsome 
service of plate (with suitable devices and inscriptions 
engraved thereon) was presented to Samuel C. Reid, 
for his gallant defence of the private armed brig Gen. 
Armstrong, at Fayal. 

The money for the purchase of this plate was raised 
by private subscription. No compliment of the kind 
was ever bestowed upon a braver man than Captain 
Reid. 



TRIBUTE TO VALOUR. 



The public, doubtless, recollect the gallant defence 
of the private armed brig Gen. Armstrong, commanded 



45 

by Samuel C. Reid, Esq. in the neutral port of 
Fayal, against an attack made by the boats of a squa- 
dron of British ships of war, consisting of the Plan- 
tagenet, 74, the Rota frigate, and Carnation sloop of 
war, which, after a resistance on the part of the offi- 
cers and crew of the General Armstrong not sur- 
passed by any of the exploits of our gallant seamen 
during the war, compelled the enemy to retire, with the 
loss of upwards of 130 killed, besides many wounded. 
As a mark of the high sense entertained of the skill 
and valour of the commander, the owners of the Gen. 
Armstrong, and others, presented Captain Reid with 
an elegant service of plate, consisting of a large silver 
pitcher, with an emblematical engraving of the action, 
and a suitable inscription thereon; also, a silver tea- 
pot, sugar bowl, milk-ewer, slop-bowl, and two silver 
tumblers, all made in the most fashionable and best 
manner. 

The presentation took place in the large room at 
Tammany Hall, on Saturday evening last, in the pre- 
sence of a number of citizens, who had assembled to 
pay their respects to the heroic commander. On the 
occasion, the following address was delivered, by John 
Ferguson, Esq. to captain Keid : — 

ADDRESS. 

"Sir, 

" The owners of the late private armed brig General 
Armstrong, and others of your fellow citizens, have 
here assembled to testify to you the high sense they 
entertain of your gallant conduct as commander of 
that vessel. 

"In a neutral port, in violation of national faith, 
and of every rule of honourable warfare, you were at- 
tacked by an overwhelming force, determined on your 
destruction. 

" The terrified spectators of this eventful scene be- 
lieved that resistance would be madness, and saw no 
safety. 

" Far nobler were your emotions. The flag that 



46 

waved above you was the ensign of honour; the 
prompter to deeds of glory ; and all thought of dan- 
ger was lost or despised in the inspiration of that mo- 
ment. Your brave companions caught the sacred im- 
pulse, and no accents were breathed around you but 
those of enthusiastic patriotism, and indignant ven- 
geance, 

" The bloodv conflict of that night will be loner re- 
membered, and the defence of the General Armstrong 
will be considered not the least of those gallant feats 
which have shed lustre on our arms, in the late trium- 
phant struggle. 

" Permit us, Sir, to present to you this service of 
plate, as a token of our esteem and admiration; a 
small part of that general tribute of your country, 
which will enrol the name of Samuel C. Reid in the 
list of those heroic men who have raised, for that coun- 
try, and themselves, the proudest monuments in story. 

Captain Reid then made the following replj r , which 
was received by the audience with much satisfaction, 
and who testified their respect for the brave man who 
had so nobly defended the honour of the American flag, 
with three hearty cheers : — 

" GENTLE \1EN. 

" In answer to the very flattering encomiums you 
have been pleased to express in my favour this evening, 
I can only say that I feel the highest sense of grati- 
tude. 

" Your approbation of my conduct, as long as I had 
the honour to command the General Armstrong, has 
been my first care and consideration — and, having 
happily succeeded in that, I feel myself most amply 
compensated. 

" For the service of plate now presented as a testi- 
mony of your regard, I pray you to accept my most 
unfeigned tha*,:s; and, I have to hope, I may ever 
merit your pres .nt opinion." 



47 

THE AMERICAN PRIVATEERS. 

Which the British have called in contempt " cock 
boats" have proved a much more serious scourge to that 
intolerable proud nation than the most sanguine Ame- 
rican could have supposed. It is an extraordinary fact, 
a very extraord inary fact, that two of our private ships, 
namely, the Neufchatel and the General Armstrong 
have killed and wounded more than 300 of the prime 
seamen of Britain, the flower of their navy. All the 
inhabitants of the Portuguese Island of Fayal, and the 
numerous strangers there, viewed with admiration the 
heroic conduct of the Captain of the Armstrong, his 
brave officers and men. The valiant deed will fly 
through the world, and will be told to the children and 
children's children of all who witnessed the unequal 
battle. England must make up her mind to hear the 
dreadful story, that their boasted sailors are not a match 
for the seamen of the new world. It seems as if Pro- 
vidence has decreed that America should be the grave 
of British glory as well as of British character. Their 
defeats and their false accounts of the battles, and of 
the relative forces of the combatants will be told toge- 
ther. That nation verifies the text, that ' : pride comes 
before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." 
Let us avoid their arrogance, and rejoice with trem- 
bling. Bost. Pap. 

YANKEE ENTERPRISE. 

Capt. Lloyd of the Plantagenet, 74, who did not 
fight Commodore Rodgers in the frigate President off 
Sandy Hook, has at length, in company with a frigate 
and sloop of war, succeeded in bringing down one 
piece of "striped bunting" from an American mast. 
The united forces of the squadron compelled the cap- 
tain of the privateer General Armstrong to give up his 
vessel, though the enemy reap no advantage from her 
capture — and the Briiish government may reward 
Capt. Lloyd by "making him a bishop" for his hero- 
ism, if they please. 



48 

HONOR TO THE BRAVE ! 

The General Armstrong Privateer. 

The gallant and glorious defence made by the Gene- 
ral Armstrong privateer, when attacked by the boats of 
a British squadron in the neutral port of Fayal, has 
been displayed, in several statements to the view of our 
readers. There is not an American heart, we are very 
sure, that has not glowed with indignation at the Bri- 
tish outrage — and with exultation, mingled with sur- 
prise and admiration, at the noble mariner in which the 
American vessel was defended. The destruction of his 
Majesty's subjects, and the loss sustained by our inso- 
lent and unprincipled enemy in this memorable conflict, 
were greater than in any other action during the war 
— and if ever man deserved the gratitude and applause, 
and popular honours of his country, the captain of the 
General Armstrong does. This hero is now in town ; 
and we learn with infinite pleasure, will be welcomed 
and cheered with a public subscription dinner given him 
this day at the Eagle Tavern. 

From the Richmond Compiler of Dec. 15. 



xNATIONAL BALL. 

Among the distinguished Citizens invited to the Na- 
tional Ball, is Captain REID, the Hero of the Arm- 
stong, who adds such lustre to the naval character of 
our country. Whatever part of the Union this gen- 
tleman has visited, the gratitude of the people has been 
fully evinced by the attention he has received- -this 
city we are satisfied will not be backward. 

Charleston Paper. 1815. 



In the attack on the privateer General Armstrong, 
at Fayal, the British owned a loss (according to tne 
Jamaica papers, where the ships arrived after the disas- 
ter) of 63 killed and 1 10 wounded ; the number pro- 
bably much greater. 



49 

In the great battle off Cape St. Vincent, in 1797, be- 
tween a Spanish fleet of 27 ships of the line, (includ- 
ing one of 186 guns, six of 112, &c.) and 12 frigates 
and a British squadron of 15 ships of the line, (two of 
400 guns, two of 98, &c.) 7 frigates, and 2 sloops — 
the latter acknowledge a loss of only 73 killed ; (ten 
more than they lost in attacking a small privateer of 9 
guns !) and 223 wounded! although the action lasted 
above 6 hours. For this brilliant engagement, (the 
Spaniards having been defeated, and a number of their 
largest ships taken) Admiral Jervis was created an 
Earl, and had a pension allowed him by the the king of 
3000 pounds per annum. We know not what com- 
pensation the brave Captain Reid, of the Armstrong 
has or will receive, save the applause of his country- 
men ; but this we do know, that the enemy will not 
very soon forget him and his valiant crew, for the 
sound drubbing he gave them in Fayal Roads, on the 
night of 26th September, 1814. 

Boston Palladium. 



Extract from the Evening Post. 

The General Armstrong, Sampson-like, had, during 
her prosperity, dealt destruction liberally among her 
foes. But as his strong arm in death inflicted the most 
signal vengeance upon his perfidious enemies, to our 
view Armstrong in her fall dealt the most dreadful 
blow she had ever given, and like him, 

" Heroically finished 

A life heroic on her enemies 

Fully revenged." Trent. T. Am, 



Communication. 

December 15*&, 1814. 
It may have escaped the recollection of many that 
Captain Lloyd, of the Plantagenet 74, who, with the as- 
sistance of the Rota fiigate and Carnation Sloop of 
War, recently made such a " brilliant dash"— in the 

6 



50 



destruction of the General Armstrong privateer, in the 
port of Fayal, is the same Capt. Lloyd, of the same 
Plantagenet, who last winter, so undauntedly sailed 
towards the President, 44, off Sandy Hook, and who 
so politely declined the combat offered by that frigate. 

Nat. Intell. 



FINE ARTS. 

The medals voted by congress to our military and 
naval officers, we learn, have been commenced, and are 
in a state of forwardness. The one representing the 
capture of the Java on one side, and a bust of Commo- 
dore Bainbridge on the reverse, has been finished by 
Mr. Furst, in Philadelphia, in the most perfect style of 
execution, and is a distinguished proof of the advance- 
ment of the arts in this country. The same artist has 
commenced the medal of Commodore Perry, and will, 
likewise, finish one representing the action on lake Erie, 
by order of the State of Pennsylvania, which has appro- 
priated 2000 dollars to defray the expense. The series 
of medals, comprising all the celebrated merits of the 
war, will be first finished; after which we learn that it 
is the intention of the artist to perpetuate some of our 
private actions — among which will be a representation 
of the attack on the General Armstrong in the port of 
Fayal. 



The frigate Essex has been repaired and carried into 
Plymouth, conveyed by the Phcebe. The General 
Armstrong ought to be got there too, as a companion 
in glory, and splendid monument of the gallantry and 
magnanimity of John Bull's heroes. Courage and 
generosity being always inseparable. 



From Hunt's History. 
Now the loud and frightful noise of war sounded 
upon the bosom of the great deep ; and the shores of 
Columbia knew no peace. 



51 

The dreadful clangor of arms rung upon the land, 
and echoed from the mountains; and the groans of 
suffering victims floated in the air of heaven. 

But the Lord favoured the people of Columbia, and 
their armies and their navy gained strength, and pros- 
perity was showered upon them: the voice of war be- 
came familiar to those who were strangers to it in times 
past. 

Now on the twenty-sixth day of the ninth month, 
being in the t.hirtv and ninth year of Columbian Inde- 
pendence. 

It came to pass, that a certain private armed vessel 
of the people of Columbia, called the General Arm- 
strong, commanded by Samuel, whose sur-name was, 
Re id, 

Had cast her anchors in the haven of Fayal, an 
island in the sea, which lieth towards the rising sun, 
about two thousand miles from the land of Columbia ; 

A place where, two score and ten years ago, there 
was a mighty earthquake; and where poisonous rep- 
tiles never dwell. 

And it was about the dusk of the evening when Sa- 
muel saw a number of the strong vessels of Britain 
hemming him in, so he drew nigh to the shore for safety, 
for the place was friendly to both powers. 

Nevertheless, the boats from the vessels of the king 1 
went against Samuel to take his vessel ; but with his 
weapons of war he drove them off and slew numbers 
of them, so that they were glad to return to their strong 
ships. 

However they quickly returned with a greater num- 
ber of boats, and about four hundred men ; and Samu- 
el saw them and prepared to meet them. 

The silver beams of the moon danced upon the 
gently rolling waves of the mighty deep, and the sound 
of the oar again broke the sweet silence of night. 

But, when they came nigh the vessel of Samuel, the 
men of Columbia poured out destruction upon them 
with a plentiful hand ; 

Inasmuch as they were again compelled to depart to 
their strong vessels, with dreadful loss. 



52 

However, about the dawning- of the day, one of the 
strong- vessels, called the Carnation, came against the 
vessel of Columbia, and let her destroying engines 
loose with great fury. 

Now Lloyd, who commanded the Plant agenet, was 
the chief captain of the squadron of the king-, in the 
place ; and he violated the law of nations. 

So when Samuel saw that the whole fleet of Britain 
were bent on destrovine; his vessel, in defiance of the 
plighted honour of nations, he ordered her to be sunk. 

After which he and his brave mariners deserted her, 
and went upon the shore; and the servants of the king: 
came and burnt her with fire in the neutral port of Fayah 

Nevertheless, they received the reward of their un- 
righteousness, for much damagtrwas done to their ves- 
sels, and their slain and wounded were two hundred- 
two score and ten. 

Of the people of Columbia two only were slain and 
seven maimed ! ! 

And the valiant deeds of Samuel gained him a 
name amongst the brave men of Columbia. 



H. R. 115. 



MARCH 4, 1818. 

Read twice and committed to a committee of the whole 
House on Mondav next. 



* 



A BILL 



Authorizing a sum of money to be distributed among 

the officers and crew of the late private armed brig, 

General Armstrong. 

1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre- 
3 sentalives of the United States of America in Con- 



53 

3 grcss assembled, That the sum of ten thousand 

4 dollars shall be, and is hereby, appropriated, out of 

5 any money in the Treasury, not otherwise appro- 

6 priated ; which sum shall be paid to Cap. S. C. 

7 Reid, to be by him distributed as prize money, 

8 among the officers and crew of the late private 

9 brig the General Armstrong, and the representa- 
10 tives of such as may be dead, 



THE GENERAL ARMSTRONG, A NEW SONG. 

Composed hy the officers of the General Armstrong, off Fay at 



Tune — " vive-la. 



• • 



1 

Come, listen to a gallant action, 

Which was fought in Fayal Bay, 
By the Saucy General Armstrong: 

From eight P. M, 'till break of day. 
CHORUS. 
Hail ! the saucy General Armstrong : 

Re id's immortalized her name — 
Her cannon dealt death and destruction 

To furbish young Columbia's fame. 

2 

Plantagenet, Rota, and Carnation 
Thought with her to have rare sport 

Sent in their boats, with an intention 
To cut her out of a neutral port. 

CHORUS. 

Hail, &c. 

3 
At eight, four boats commenc'd the action, 

Which fifteen minutes' work laid low ; 
Quarters next came in rotation, 
Which on them we did bestow. 

CHORUS, 

Ha il, &c, 



54 

4 

Fourteen boats, with men four hundred, 
At midnight made the grand attack ; 

In forty minutes, half their number 

Were killed and wounded, falling back, 

CHORUS. 

Hail, &c. 

5 

Britons killed in both engagements, 
Amounted to two hundred men : 

Fifty more of them were wounded — 
The rest retreated back again. 

CHORUS. 

Hail, &.c. 

6. 

The number killed on board the General, 

It doth grieve ns to rel tte, 
The falling of Lieutenant Williams, 

And one man we do regret. 

CHORUS, 
Hail, &c. 

7. 

Two Lieutenants more were wounded, 
And likewise five of our men; 

But we've got them safely landed, 
And recovering fast again. 

CHORUS. 

Hail, &c. 

8. 
Then at break of day next morning, 

The sloop of war got under way 
And opened her broadside upon us, 

British courage to display. 

CHORUS. 

Hail, &c. 

9. 

Lest she should fall in their possession, 
We thought it prudent her to sink ; 
Which was put in execution, 

And thus the General became extinct 
CHORUS. 
Hail, kc. 



10 

Then by the British she was hoarded, 
(Who finding her partly destroyed) 
Set her on fire, when thus abandoned 
By command of Captain Lloyd. 

CHORUS. 
Hail, &c. 

11 

Altho' we could not save the General, 
Columbia's fame we held in view : 

We have chastis'd the haughty Britons 
With our little YANKEE CREW. 

CHORUS. 

Hail ! the saucy General Armstrong, &c. 



'^ 



tc*£e- ** /l 




A COLLECTION 

OF 

SUNDRY PUBLICATIONS, 

AND OTHER DOCUMENTS, 

IK RELATION TO THE ATTACK MADE DURING THE LATE WAR 
UPON THE PRIVATE ARMED BRIO 

GENERAL ARMSTRONG 

OF NEW-YORK, 

COMMANDED BY S. C. REID, 
ON THE WIGHT OP THE 36th OF SEPTEMBER, 1814, 

AT THE ISLAND OF FAYAL, 

»Y Hit BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S SHIPS PLANTAGENET SEVENTY-FOUR 
ROTA FRIGATE, AND CARNATION SLOOP OF WAR. 



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